Full bench full order HON’BLE CHIEF JUSTICE N.SATHISH KUMAR, J. and N.MALA, J. (Order of the Court was made by the Hon’ble Chief Justice). We appreciate the efforts put in by the State Government to frame the policy, which is, in effect, to increase the biodiversity and maintain the ecological equilibrium, which is the need of the hour. For gov aag j Ravinthiren argued .

W.P.(MD) Nos.16485, 14699 of 2015; 20767 of 2013;
2847, 4646, 5456 of 2017;
1921, 19612, 19615 and 19618 of 2019;
W.P.Nos.3075 of 2017 and 8932 of 2022
and Contempt Petition (MD) Nos.773 of 2017 and 1340 of 2014
THE HON’BLE CHIEF JUSTICE N.SATHISH KUMAR, J. and
N.MALA, J.
(Order of the Court was made by the Hon’ble Chief Justice)
Learned Additional Advocate General has placed on record the policy formulated by the government vide G.O.(Ms.)No.123, Environment, Climate Change and Forests (FR.6) Department, dated 13.7.2022. The object behind the said policy is to ensure ecological restoration of forest areas infested with invasive plant species in Tamil Nadu. The said policy was framed considering the fact that exotic weeds, including Prosopis julifora, Lantana camera, etc., are growing in large numbers in most of the forests of the State, affecting the natural forest environment and the richness of the forest habitat. The invasion of these species is regarded as one of the major threats to local biodiversity of forests. The government order contains the area-wise details where these species exist and need to be uprooted. He submitted that the draft policy earlier framed has been approved and, accordingly, it is decided to proceed as per the policy decision to uproot the species named above, apart from any other species, which are a threat to local biodiversity of forests.
2. Learned Additional Advocate General has further submitted a status report pursuant to the direction of this court dated 7.7.2022. The report reveals the action that has been taken by the respondents till date.
3. We appreciate the efforts put in by the State Government to frame the policy, which is, in effect, to increase the biodiversity and maintain the ecological equilibrium, which is the need of the hour.
4. We are, however, of the view that regular monitoring ofthe action taken by the respondent authorities is required to be made by the court. Therefore, the respondents are directed to furnish the periodical development in reference to the action to be taken as per the policy framed by the respondents, so that without further delay the species named above may be removed not only from the forests, but also from the other areas in the State.
5. To achieve the aforesaid object, the respondent authorities can solicit funds from organizations, which have to spend two per cent of the net average profits on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), the activities under which include ensuring environmental sustainability. It is apart from the fact that this court, on 7.7.2022, had already issued directions to use the funds allocated under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme for this purpose within the framework of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, 2005 and the guidelines framed by the Government.
6. Let these petitions be listed on 17.8.2022 at 2.15 pm, on which date the respondent authorities shall place on record the progress report pursuant to the action taken in reference to the policy framed by them.
(M.N.B., CJ.) (N.S.K., J.) (N.M., J.)
14.07.2022
sasi
THE HON’BLE CHIEF JUSTICE N.SATHISH KUMAR, J. and N.MALA,J.
(sasi)
W.P.(MD) Nos.16485, 14699 of 2015;
20767 of 2013; 2847, 4646, 5456 of 2017;
1921, 19612, 19615 and 19618 of 2019;
W.P.Nos.3075 of 2017 and 8932 of 2022 and Cont. P. (MD) Nos.773 of 2017 and 1340 of 2014
14.07.2022